More Queenslanders than ever benefiting from Royal Flying Doctor Service

More Queenslanders than ever are benefiting from the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS), Health Minister Stephen Robertson said today.

Mr Robertson said the RFDS performed 24,596 flights over the last three financial years, with the Bligh Government contributing almost $70 million to the service during the same period.

“The Royal Flying Doctor Service provides an essential service to thousands of Queenslanders living in regional and remote areas,” he said.

“It ensures the safe and timely transfer of critically ill patients between hospitals in our vast state.

“In the 2007-08 financial year, the RFDS provided 8891 flights in Queensland. This comes on top of 9065 flights in 2006-07 and 6640 flights in 2005-06.

“These flights play a critical role in ensuring our sickest patients have timely access to first class health services at the most appropriate hospital.”

Mr Robertson said the Bligh Government continued to deliver increased funding to RFDS year on year.

“The Bligh Government has doubled its funding to the RFDS in the last three years,” he said.

“In the 2007-08 financial year, the Bligh Government provided $30.4 million in funding to the RFDS.

“This was up from $23.1 million in 2006-07 and $15.4 million in 2005-06.

“This increased funding plays an important role in helping to deliver Queenslanders the high quality services they’ve come to expect from the RFDS.

“The Bligh Government remains committed to contributing the necessary funds to ensure Queenslanders have access to safe and sustainable flying doctor services.”

MEDIA: Martin Philip 3225 2680